Sunday Thought for 7th September

This Week’s Readings

• • Jeremiah 18:1–11 – God uses the image of a potter shaping clay to remind Israel that repentance can change their destiny.
  • Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18 – The psalmist reflects on God’s intimate knowledge and care, marveling that we are wonderfully made and fully known.
  • Philemon 1–21 – Paul appeals for Onesimus to be received as a brother in Christ, emphasizing reconciliation and forgiveness.
  • Luke 14:25–33 – Jesus teaches that following him requires wholehearted commitment, sometimes demanding sacrifice and the reordering of priorities.

In Jeremiah, God is portrayed as a potter, moulding us—sometimes reshaping broken forms into something new when we turn from our ways. Psvalm 139 reminds us that the Divine knows us intimately, knitting us together with care before we were even born. In Philemon, Paul appeals lovingly for Onesimus, urging that he be welcomed not as a slave but as a brother. And Jesus in Luke challenges us to consider what true discipleship costs—and what it calls us to leave behind.

This week, may we feel both the humility of being remade by grace and the boldness to welcome others into fellowship. Let us offer space for transformation—and for belonging.

Prayer: Potter God, shape us into vessels of your mercy. Amen.

Hymn Reflection – Singing the Faith 553

“And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died he for me, who caused his pain?
For me, who him to death pursued?”